Why You'll Love It
- - Moist crumb thanks to orange juice
- - Tart cranberries give a pleasant zing
- - Butter‑rich streusel adds texture
- - Quick to make, ideal for busy mornings
*"These muffins are a perfect balance of sweet and tart—my family can’t get enough!"*
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Fresh cranberries: Choose plump, firm berries; they hold their shape and give bright bursts of flavor.
- Orange zest: Use a microplane for fine zest; it releases essential oils without bitterness.
- All‑purpose flour: Sifts well to keep the muffins light and tender.
- Brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that deepens the overall sweetness.
- Buttermilk: Its acidity reacts with the leavening for a fluffy rise.
- Butter for streusel: Cold, cubed butter creates that crumbly, melt‑in‑your‑mouth topping.
Complete Cooking Process
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Ingredient Readiness:
Measure flour, sugar, and spices; zest the orange and pat the cranberries dry.
-
Flavor Development:
Combine wet ingredients first to release the orange aroma, then fold in the berries gently.
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Texture Control:
Mix just until combined; over‑mixing would toughen the crumb.
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Finishing Touches:
Spread streusel over the batter and bake until golden brown and fragrant.
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Serving Timing:
Cool slightly before removing from the tin; they taste best warm.
- Freeze berries for a longer shelf‑life, no loss of flavor
- Rub the muffin tin with a little butter for an extra crisp edge
- Add a pinch of salt to the streusel to balance sweetness
- Serve with a drizzle of orange glaze for extra shine
Pro Tips
I find that letting the muffins rest for a few minutes lets the steam finish the bake gently, keeping the interior moist. Also, a quiet cup of tea beside a plate of these muffins feels like a small, intentional pause in a busy day.
The essence of the dish:
A fun fact or historical angle:
Flavor or sensory focus:
You Must Know
- Do not over‑mix the batter
- Use fresh zest for maximum aroma
- Keep the streusel cold until baking
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, thaw them and pat dry; they’ll still give a burst of flavor.
→ What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar with milk and let sit 5 minutes.
→ How long do they stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they’re best within 3 days.
→ Can I make these gluten‑free?
Swap regular flour for a 1‑to‑1 gluten‑free blend; the texture remains tender.
→ Is there a dairy‑free version?
Use plant‑based butter for the streusel and a dairy‑free milk for the batter.
→ What pairs well with these muffins?
A cup of black tea or a glass of fresh orange juice complements the flavors.
Chef's Tips
If you prefer a sweeter muffin, increase brown sugar by 2 tbsp.,For extra orange flavor, add a drizzle of orange glaze after cooling.,Streusel can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
per serving
320
Calories
5g
Protein
46g
Carbs
12g
Fat
Taste Profile
Bright, sweet‑tart with buttery crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives
Will add a nutty flavor and a denser texture.
Use 3 tbsp maple syrup; reduce butter by 1 tbsp.
Recipe Variations
Try these delicious twists on the original
Spicy Version
Add 1/2 tsp ground ginger and a pinch of cayenne for a warming kick.
Mediterranean Style
Fold in a handful of toasted pistachios and drizzle with honey after baking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results
- Over‑mixing the batter, leading to dense muffins.
- Adding cranberries too early, causing the batter to become watery.
- Baking at too low a temperature, resulting in soggy tops.
Meal Prep & Storage
Make Ahead Tips
The batter can be prepared up to 12 hours ahead and kept chilled; the streusel stays crisp when stored separately.
Leftover Ideas
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds to regain softness.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this with...
Cooking Timeline
Preheat oven and prepare muffin tin.
Mix dry ingredients and orange zest.
Combine wet ingredients and fold into dry mixture.
Prepare streusel while batter rests.
Fill tins, top with streusel, and bake.
Cranberry Orange Muffins with Streusel Topping
Moist cranberry orange muffins topped with a buttery streusel—perfect for a bright breakfast or snack that feels like a small, cozy celebration.
Timing
Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
Muffin Batter
- 01 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 02 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 03 2 tsp baking powder
- 04 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 05 1/4 tsp salt
- 06 1 tsp orange zest (about 1 orange)
- 07 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 08 1 cup buttermilk
- 09 1/3 cup melted butter
- 10 2 large eggs
- 11 2 tbsp orange juice
Streusel Topping
- 01 1/3 cup all‑purpose flour
- 02 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 03 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 04 Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12‑cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
In a large bowl whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add orange zest and stir gently.
In another bowl combine buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and orange juice; whisk until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, folding just until incorporated. Gently fold in the cranberries.
For the streusel, toss flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold butter together with fingertips until crumbly.
Divide batter evenly into the muffin cups, then sprinkle a generous layer of streusel over each.
Bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
Notes & Tips
- 1 If you prefer a sweeter muffin, increase brown sugar by 2 tbsp.
- 2 For extra orange flavor, add a drizzle of orange glaze after cooling.
- 3 Streusel can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Tools You'll Need
-
Muffin tin
-
Mixing bowls
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Microplane for zest
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Whisk
-
Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
Must-Know Tips
- Don’t over‑mix; a few flour streaks are fine
- Keep butter cold for a crumbly streusel
- Pat cranberries dry to avoid soggy muffins
Professional Secrets
- Room‑temperature eggs blend more evenly
- Baking at a slightly higher temperature gives a crisp top
- Rotate the pan halfway for even browning
Recipe by
Emma Fields“Mornings are my magic hour! I create easy, energizing breakfasts that turn sleepy starts into sunshine moments.” ☀️🥞
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